Moniteau teacher investigated in student sex case

April 18, 2013News Extra

CHERRY TWP — A Moniteau High School teacher, who is an assistant football coach, is suspected of having a months-long sexual relationship with at least one student on school grounds, according to state police.

The 28-year-old social studies and English teacher also allegedly sought out other students, some through social media, asking them to send him sexually-explicit photographs of themselves.

Jonathan Crum earlier this week was suspended with pay from the teaching position he’s had for four years, authorities said.

In addition to this teaching duties, Crum was an assistant coach for the varsity football team.

A search warrant was served Thursday at the Mercer Township home that Crum shares with his wife, police said. Troopers went there looking for evidence of any inappropriate contact with students.

The teacher has not been charged and police acknowledged Thursday that their “long-term investigation” is in its “infancy.”

However, investigators suspect that the alleged sexual misconduct involve a number of current and former female students.

Some of those purported encounters occurred as early as 2009 and some continued until this year, police said.

The Butler Eagle could not reach Crum for comment.

Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger said he is aware of the investigation but not specific allegations.

“I don’t have a (police) report yet,” Goldinger said, “and until I do, I can’t comment.”

Multiple telephone calls for Moniteau School District Superintendent George Svolos were not returned.